Outline

Objective: Glioblastoma, the most common and most malignant primary brain tumor, consists of a large proportion of tumor cells and a small proportion of tumor stem cells. Tumor stem cells can be characterized by stem cell markers. However, their number and meaning is mostly unknown. Systemic examinations on paired specimens from initial and recurrent glioblastoma concerning this issue are rare.

Conclusions: A distinct subset of glioblastoma patients shows marked elevation of stem cell markers in recurrent lesions. These markers are of potential interest in terms of future treatment. This project is supported by the "Stiftung Neurochirurgische Forschung" of the "DGNC" and the "Familie Mehdorn Stiftung" in Kiel.